Business Details
21 Years
experience
Expert Mental Health Law & Court of Protection Solicitors
We are a specialist law firm providing expert legal advice and representation in Mental Health Law and Court of Protection Law. Based in Taunton, Somerset, our reputation for excellence extends nationwide, serving clients with dedication to protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals. Our team of highly skilled lawyers combines extensive experience with a commitment to delivering the highest professional standards. Recognised in the Devon and Somerset Law Society Awards, we pride ourselves on our client-focused approach and expertise in complex legal matters. We offer Legal Aid funding assessments, competitive private rates, and tailored training programs for professionals.Our services span Mental Health Tribunals, Judicial Reviews, Inquests, and Social Care Law, ensuring comprehensive support for our clients. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, we maintain strong relationships with clients while upholding ethical practices. Our directors, including founding solicitor Michael Butler & Co Solicitors & Co Solicitors, bring decades of combined experience to every case. We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards. Through our work, we strive to empower clients and ensure their voices are heard in legal proceedings.
Services
Mental Health Law
Court of Protection
Judicial Review
Inquests Representation
Social Care Law
Legal Aid Funding
Care Planning Advice
Lasting Power of Attorney
Deputyships
Advance Decisions
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with 20+ years of combined legal expertise
- Our team includes finalists in Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards
- We provide nationwide legal representation despite our Taunton base
- We offer both Legal Aid-funded and competitively priced private services
- Our directors have specialist experience in Mental Health Tribunals since 2005
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Professional and very helpful
Fantastic outcome for client
Impressed by quality of advice
Capable hands throughout process
Excellent advice and support
Services
Mental Health Law
We specialise in representing patients under the Mental Health Act 1983, with extensive experience in Mental Health Tribunals. Our services cover hospital in-patients, community patients, and prisoners, focusing on rights protection and treatment challenges. We combine legal expertise with compassionate advocacy for vulnerable individuals.
Court of Protection
We advise on Mental Capacity Act 2005 applications, including deputyships, lasting powers of attorney, and deprivation of liberty cases. Our team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, ensuring decisions align with clients' best interests while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Judicial Review
Specialising in challenging public body decisions related to mental health, we handle cases involving funding refusals, hospital transfers, and prison-to-hospital transfers. Our approach combines legal rigor with strategic advocacy to achieve client objectives.
Inquests Representation
We support families and interested parties through inquest processes, explaining coronial procedures and representing clients in complex investigations. Our trauma-informed approach ensures clients' voices are heard while maintaining professional standards.
Social Care Law
We challenge funding decisions and advocate for appropriate care provision under s117 Mental Health Act 1983. Our team helps clients navigate social care systems, ensuring access to necessary support services while protecting legal rights.
People
Michael Butler
Consultant Solicitor
Founder of Butler & Co Solicitors & Co Solicitors & Co in 2005, qualified solicitor since 1992 with specialist expertise in mental health law. Holds law degrees from Warwick University and College of Law, Chancery Lane.
Catrin Blake
Director
Director since 2009 with extensive experience in mental health law and Court of Protection cases. Specialises in complex legal advocacy and client-focused representation.
Chris Heery
Director
Associate Solicitor specialising in mental health law since joining in 2009. Experienced in tribunal representation and community care law matters.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in Mental Health Law, Court of Protection, Judicial Review, Inquests, and Social Care Law.
Can I get Legal Aid for my case?
Most clients qualify for Legal Aid. We assess eligibility during initial consultations and advise on funding options.
Do you operate nationwide or just locally?
While based in Taunton, our reputation allows us to represent clients nationwide in mental health and capacity law cases.
What training services do you offer?
We provide competitively-priced training courses on mental health law and Court of Protection procedures for professionals.
What recognition have you received?
We were Highly Commended in Devon and Somerset Law Society's Law Firm of the Year category.
